Playing for the first time in almost two weeks, the Trojans improved to 7-3 on the season on Monday night with an easy 83-54 victory over the Delaware State Hornets (3-6) at a half-empty Galen Center. USC held the Hornets to 38.2% shooting from the field while hitting over 68% of their own shots (including 10 of 15 from beyond the 3-point line) and recording a season-high 24 assists.

The outcome was never in doubt, a conclusion reinforced by the fact that OJ Mayo was needed for just 12 points and 29 minutes. Dwight Lewis led all Trojan scorers with a career-high 18 points, and Davon Jefferson added 17 and 7 rebounds. After fouling out his previous three games, Taj Gibson was whistled just once on the evening, although he scored only five points. Recently-injured players Mamadou Diarra (making his season debut) and Marcus Simmons both played, and managed a combined one point. Walk-on Terence Green also recorded the first two points of his career.

Next up for USC is a matchup with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on Saturday evening at the Galen Center.

Dwight Lewis scores 18 points, No. 25 USC beats Delaware State 83-54 (AP via Yahoo!)
USC has plenty of range (LA Times)
USC rolls over Delaware State, 83-54 (OC Register)